CHURCH HISTORY
Pastors and faithful members have contributed to the Church’s History and progress. Some of the early pastors were Rev. Benjamin Franklin, Rev. Murray, Rev. Hamilton, Rev. Ford, Rev. Cole, Rev. Wheland, Rev. J. C. Washington, Rev. George Washington, and Rev. McLean, Rev James W. Brooks was called to the church in 1917 and during this pastorate, the present stone edifice with stained glass windows was built. There are a few among us who can remember that momentous Sunday in 1919. Financial donations from individuals and groups helped to purchase the stained glass windows. The estimated cost of the new building was $27,000. In 1921 Second Baptist Church became affiliated with a Baptist Convention. Rev. Brooks represented the Church and Sister Mazie Hall represented the Sunday School and Baptist Young People’s Union at the New England convention in Hartford, Connecticut. In the mid 1920’s, Rev. J. H. Massey became the pastor and was followed by the Rev. Beverly Moore who came in 1928. He served faithfully until his death in 1933. During his pastorate, the parsonage was built adjacent to the church at the cost of $14,000. Rev. Lawrence was the Assistant Pastor.
Rev. William H. Waller was called in 1934 and served until his homegoing in 1972. Under his administration the financial and mortgage obligations of the church property were paid. Improvements were also made to the main sanctuary, such as paneling, and organ with chimes, carpeting, new lighting, alter furniture and pews. Landscaping, a garage, and a parking lot also enhanced the church property.
After the passing of Rev. Waller in May of 1972, the Board of Deacons, under the guidance of Deacon Thomas Waller, furnished appropriate church leadership. His Godly, timely, and highly respected advice aided the Pulpit Committee in the selection of a new pastor. This new pastor, the Rev. Raymond Thomas of Glassboro, New Jersey, was called to leadership in November of 1973. Under his administration, several programs were instituted to meet the needs of the entire Church family. These programs increased the membership and vitality of the Church and promoted the spiritual growth of Second Baptist.
Bible Study (taught by Rev. Thomas and Bro. David Bryan) was instituted and services continued to meet on Wednesday evenings.
The Inspirational Chorus and Male Chorus were added to the Music Department, which included the Senior Choir and Gospel Chorus, who already served for many years. A Youth Choir and Sunday School Choir, under the direction of Sisters Betty Lollar and Dela Jones was formed. As these youths matured to adulthood, a new group for young adults called The Unity in Praise Ensemble was coordinated by Sister Wendy Washington and added in 1993. In the year 2003, the reorganized Unity in Praise Ensemble resumed singing praises on the First Sunday. In the year 1998, the Senior Choir and the Gospel Chorus united into the Church Choir. A praise dance team, Praise in Motion, (organized by Deaconess Tacita Carter-Mobley) was implemented in November of 2002.
As the growing needs of the youth of the Church and community were identified, the Christian Education Department was established and directed by Sister Elsie H. Fuller. Christian Education Department continues with the Children’s Church and is growing under the Direction of Rev. Howard Childs.
The Academic Achievement program was started to encourage the youth with their studies. This Program, organized by Sister Cynthia Inman encourages students of all ages to recognize the importance of education and self-esteem. The Scholarship Committee was established in 1975 to encourage our church members in educational endeavors. Deacon Julius Gray served as President until 1981. Under the direction of President Alven Taliaferro, the committee still seeks out students encouraging them to further their education.
The Flower Club was organized to beautify the sanctuary. Sister Alice Gettys was elected as the first President. The organization continues to faithfully beautify the sanctuary and grounds. The Women’s Bible Study and Prayer Fellowship, under the leadership of Sister Marguerite Tabb meets monthly. The Men’s fellowship breakfast meets every third Saturday. In 2008, Friday night Gender Fellowships were organized and are growing under the watchful eyes of Pastor Thomas and led by Rev. Howard Childs (men’s fellowship) and Evangelist Joyce Pass (women’s fellowship).
Other Auxiliaries have been and integral part of our Church Family: The Senior Usher Board, The Young Adult Ushers, The Children Ushers, and The Male Ushers has continued to support and serve Second Baptist down through the years. The Rising Sun Club (once known as The Joyful Workers) organized in the early 1920’s for the purpose of aiding the Church financially and spiritually Sister Mattie McCallum founded in Devon Club, organized June 3, 1927 at the home of Deacon and Mrs. Horace Chandler. Although these auxiliaries are now inactive, the remaining members willingly serve wherever they are needed. The Missionary Circle honored a past president by naming themselves, The Bessie Jennings Holley Missionary Circle. In recent years, the formal name was changed to: “The B. J. Holley Missionary Ministry”. Through the Missionary Ministry, our church has faithfully supported Church Mission needs and the causes of Missions at home and aboard.
Some of the past causes supported: A.B.C. House Radnor – Stephen Smith Home Monthly worship service – Virginia Seminary and College – Habitat for Humanities – Kimberly Farley Overy Fund – Manna Bible Institute – Interfaith Hospitality Network – Montgomery County Children’s Aid Society – Loyal Boosters of the Foreign Mission Board of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. In 1994 Second Baptist placed 58th out of 366 contributors to Foreign Africa. (Rev. Arthur Myers Jr. and Sister Barbara Myers). Mission ministry has sent many high school students to Christian Retreats to aid in their spiritual development and growth.
The Present support by The BJ Holley Missionary Circle: Meals on Wheels – Palm Center, Ardmore – RTCA – Wayne Senior Center – SHARE Program – American Cancer Society – Radnor Fire Company – Membership sick and shut-ins – Love Donations to those in need of assistance – Foreign Mission Board of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. – Second Baptist became a lifetime member of the N.A.A.C.P.
From the contributions of our members, the name of Second Baptist Church will be forever inscribed in the Patriots of African Descent memorial in Valley Forge National Park. The statue is in honor of Blacks who fought in the American Revolution. The Ministerial Staff’s Outreach Ministry meets every Wednesday in the center of the Highland Homes; serving the local residents. The accomplishments which serve as a testimony to our efforts to communicate the Gospel of Christ are epitomized in the Evangelist achievements. Under the teaching and leadership of Pastor Raymond Thomas, several members have answered God’s call to the ministry.
Ordained members who became Pastors of their own congregation: Rev. Arthur Myers, Jr. – Rev. R. Johnson Waller, (deceased) – Rev. Clarence Washington, – Rev. Daphne Wiggins, Chaplain – Rev. Christina Cesar – Rev. Delores McCabe – Rev. Scott Dorsey – (Rev. Boswell was ordained and served as superintendent of Sunday School and has since relocated to Sharon Baptist Ministries. Rev. Dorsey was ordained and called to pastor The Transfiguration Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pa. On November 25, 2001, Second Baptist was invited to participate in the installation service for him. On October 31, 2004, Rev. Scott Dorsey was called to Pastor Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Holmesburg, Pa and installed by Pastor Thomas. The church membership was invited to participate in the service).
Ordained or licensed members added to the Second Baptist Ministerial staff: Rev. Daisy Thomas – Rev. Lawrence Pannell – Rev. James Washington – Rev. Adell Washington – Minister Pamela L. Wright – Rev. Levin Tucker – Rev. Gregory Boswell – Rev. Howard Childs, Jr. – Rev. James Riveria – Min. Williard Coefield – Dr. Ferman Felder – Rev. Gary Lewis – Rev. Leverne Taylor – Sis. E. Joyce Pass was licensed and presented to the church as an evangelist.
The word of God is read, preached, and taught each week at Second Baptist. We thank God for who HE is, and for His Grace, and Mercy, and Loving-Kindness toward us.
